Chapter 193

The addition of the Stone Hammer Clan was like injecting a fervent and tough force into Guangtan Fortress, this precise machine.

Although the rain outside continued, the interior of the fortress was filled with busyness and vitality due to the arrival of the new members.

The dwarves are indeed natural craftsmen and architects.

After initially settling down and alleviating their fatigue and injuries, they eagerly wanted to contribute their strength.

Tongxu Clan Chief personally inspected the structures of Guangtan Fortress and the Moonlight Ring, praising the sturdy city walls and exquisite defense facilities without end, but also immediately pointed out several details that could be further reinforced and optimized.

After obtaining Li Qingxuan's consent, the dwarves first selected a spot near the mountain wall with good ventilation inside Guangtan Fortress, and began to rebuild their core—the furnace and forging workshop.

They used some core components salvaged from the collapsed fortress, combined with the stone and metal provided by the fortress, and heat-resistant stone gathered from the surroundings; in just three days, a dwarf furnace arose—though smaller in scale than before, its structure was more reasonable and its efficiency possibly higher.

When the first furnace of red-hot iron liquid flowed out amidst the rain's roar, and the heavy hammering sounded again in rhythm, the faces of all the dwarves lit up with new brilliance.

That was not merely the sound of work, but also a symbol of hope and inheritance.

Tongxu Clan Chief personally wielded the hammer and reforged the spear that had broken in battle for Li Qingxuan.

After incorporating the dwarves' unique rune-quenching technique and some rare metal materials, this spear became sharper and tougher, with a faint dark-red sheen flowing across it; its quality markedly improved, reaching the peak of Fine Grade, only one step away from Epic Grade.

Besides repairing and forging weapons, the dwarves also began assisting in reinforcing the city walls.

Using their deep understanding of rock and structure, they improved the crenellations and arrow slits of the city walls, making them more conducive to defense.

At the same time, they began designing and constructing, within the Moonlight Ring, treehouse support structures and some concealed defense nodes that were more elf-like in style while also serving defensive functions for the Night Elves.

The Night Elves and dwarves, two races with vastly different habits, began initial adjustment under the shared survival pressure and Li Qingxuan's leadership.

The elves provided forest products and long-range support, while the dwarves provided sturdy fortifications and sharp weapons; their complementarity was extremely strong.

Although occasional small frictions arose due to differing lifestyles and ideas, in the face of the larger situation they all showed considerable restraint.

The Icefield Magic Wolf Pack was settled in a designated woodland on the outskirts of the Moonlight Ring, under the dominion of the Wolf King.

Their presence greatly enhanced the outer perimeter's early warning and defense capabilities.

Li Jing occasionally used the Void Shuttle to observe them, ensuring this pack of beasts would not lose control.

The entire force of Guangtan Fortress, amidst this ongoing rainstorm, was undergoing a profound internal integration and enhancement.

However, this tranquil period of integration did not last long.

Li Feifei constantly monitored the World Channel's developments, and a gradually increasing piece of information raised her alertness.

【World Channel·Northern Explorer: The glacier melt rate near the coordinates (close to the extreme north) is abnormal! I saw exposed black rock with glowing runes never seen before!】

【World Channel·Geology Enthusiast: Not just melting! The permafrost layer near our camp is also cracking, revealing fragments resembling metallic artifacts, whose craftsmanship does not resemble modern or any known alien race!】

【World Channel·Panic Rumor: An ancient curse is about to descend! The ice-sealed monsters are about to awaken!】

【World Channel·Treasure Hunter: Opportunity! Absolutely an opportunity! Those ruins surely contain ancient treasures and inheritances!】

【World Channel·Announcement from the large camp 'North Wind Fortress': Our forces have established an outpost at the edge of the glacier melt zone, warning all unrelated personnel to stay away, as the area's energy readings are abnormal, posing unknown risks, and……there may also be extremely high-value targets.】

"Glacier melt……ancient ruins……" Li Qingxuan looked at the information Li Feifei had compiled, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

This is clearly another chain reaction brought about by drastic global climate change.

"Based on piecing together scattered information," Li Feifei added, "these emerging ruins seem not to belong to any currently known race; their style is older, even more……bizarre. Some speculate they are remnants of a previous epoch, or even an earlier era's civilization."

Huang Rong's eyes flashed with a hint of interest: "The unknown often means danger, but also opportunity. If we could obtain some ancient inheritance or technology from it……"

Queen Aister slightly furrowed her brows: "Violent changes in natural power always awaken some slumbering beings. We need to be cautious."

Tongxu Clan Chief stroked his beard and said in a gruff voice: "Ancient forging techniques? That sounds interesting! Perhaps we could find the lost rune-forging method!"

Everyone's reactions varied, but they all realized that behind this northern anomaly could lie enormous implications.

Li Qingxuan pondered for a long time, then spoke slowly: "The changes in the north are still far from us, and the situation is unclear. Our current primary task is to fully integrate our existing forces, safely endure this second round of rainstorms, and as soon as possible let the Stone Hammer Clan and the Moonlight Ring settle completely, forming a solid combat strength."

He looked at everyone, his gaze deep: "However, we must maintain close watch on the northern information. Feifei, continue gathering related intelligence, especially regarding the exact locations, risk levels, and possible yields of those ruins. We have wolf packs and elf scouts; after the rain stops, we can attempt limited reconnaissance further north."

"Understood." Li Feifei nodded in agreement.

Li Qingxuan's decision was steady and far-sighted. Before his own strength reaches its peak and before internal integration is complete, rashly intervening in distant unknown conflicts would be unwise.

But completely ignoring it is also inadvisable; we must prepare in advance and gather information.

Although the rain outside continued tirelessly, inside Guangtan Fortress a proactive and tense atmosphere surged due to the dwarves' addition and attention to the northern situation.

Integrating strength, accumulating power, while turning our gaze toward more distant unknown realms, this ark that continually grows in the apocalypse is preparing to face a future stage that is broader and more perilous.

Everyone sensed that when the rain ceases and sunlight once again blankets the earth, this world will usher in even more drastic changes.

And Guangtan Fortress must be prepared.

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